GREENWICH, N.Y. — Exciting News! The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) is once again teaming up with hunters in Washington and Rensselaer Counties this season to utilize an abundant natural resource to help feed the hungry in our local communities!

The process is simple. Hunters harvest deer from an overabundant population. Area meat processors produce high protein venison burger. The meat is distributed to local food banks and given to people in need. ASA reimburses the area meat processors for producing the ground venison.

Did you know approximately 110,000 Capital Region families, including nearly 47,000 children are in need of food assistance? Many of these families depend upon local food banks and pantries to help put food on the table for themselves and their children. An average-size deer can help feed up to 200 people.

Hunters can help fill the gaps for individuals at risk of hunger while enjoying an activity they love. This season ASA’s goal is to channel 500-800 pounds of processed venison through our regional food banks and pantries — That would equal 1,000-1,600 meals!

Why Deer?

• New York’s deer population numbered about 950,000 in 2018.
• Crop damage sustained by farmers and deer-auto collisions have risen dramatically.
• New York farmers estimate annual deer-related crop damages over $50 million.
• Hunting is a cost-effective method of controlling and maintaining a stable deer population.
• These factors have resulted in a surplus of nutritious venison that can be utilized to help feed the hungry in Washington and Rensselaer Counties.

How to Donate a Deer

• Contact Kara (kara@agstewardship.org or 518-692-7285) to let us know you’ll be participating.
• Enjoy a Safe and Successful Hunt
• Carefully Field-Dress, Legally-Tag and Report Your Deer
• Take the Whole Deer to Any Venison Processor Near Where You Hunt or Live
• Contact ASA to Let Us Know What Processor You Selected
• Complete the ASA Donor Receipt Verifying Your Donation
• Know You Helped Feed Local Families in Need

Hunters Helping the Hungry is made possible, in part, by a grant from The McCarthy Charities, Inc.

ASA has helped more than 134 families conserve 22,467 acres of working farms and woodlands in Washington and Rensselaer counties. ASA’s mission is to protect our community’s working landscape of farms and forests, connect people to the land, and promote a vibrant future for agricultural and forestry in the region. For more information about ASA’s work, visit www.agstewardship.org.

–Agricultural Stewardship Association

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